In this thematic collection, we've curated texts that explore the universal human experience of birth, as well as the mysterious and challenging phenomenon of emotional, spiritual, or mental rebirth. Ranging from Jesmyn Ward's National Book Award-winning Salvage the Bones to Thi Bui's graphic memoir The Best We Could Do, these books and poems explore life's beginnings and awakenings.
Publication year 2003
Genre Short Story, Fiction
Themes Life/Time: Birth
Tags Education, Education, Arts / Culture, Classic Fiction
“What You Pawn I Will Redeem” is a short story by Sherman Alexie, an American writer and member of both the Spokane and Coeur-d’Alene nations. First published in The New Yorker in 2003, the story also featured in Alexie’s 2004 collection Ten Little Indians. Although largely realistic in its depiction of issues like homelessness and the legacy of Native American genocide, “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” contains references to and elements of fairy tale... Read What You Pawn I Will Redeem Summary
Publication year 1998
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Life/Time: Birth
Tags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Grief / Death, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction
Whirligig, by Paul Fleischman, is a 1998 YA novel about a 17-year-old boy named Brent Bishop who goes on a cross-country journey of atonement. At the outset of the novel, Brent’s family has recently moved to Chicago following his father’s promotion at work—the fourth time the family has moved. Brent has struggled to fit in and make friends at each new school he’s attended. He tries to win approval from his classmates by wearing trendy... Read Whirligig Summary
Publication year 2025
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Femininity, Life/Time: Birth, Relationships: Friendship, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger